Becoming A Service Provider
NEW! IMPORTANT: The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) in compliance with Section 4435.1(e) of the Welfare and Institutions Code will be launching a standardized vendorization process by January 1, 2026.
Vendorization Rollout in Provider Directory
Beginning December 3, 2025, the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC) may begin using the Provider Directory for new vendorizations.
Beginning January 5, 2026, the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC) will begin using the Provider Directory for new vendorizations.
Starting on March 1, 2026, ELARC must begin using the Provider Directory for new vendorizations.
Contact vendorization@elarc.org for guidance on how to begin your application between December 3, 2025 and March 1, 2026.
Effective on and after July 1, 2026, Purchase Reimbursement (Service Code 024) vendorization applications must be completed in the Provider Directory.
How to Become a Service Provider/Vendor
Service providers must be vendored by a regional center before they can provide and be reimbursed for services. The following describes how to become a vendored service provider.
What is Vendorization?
“Vendorization” is the term used to describe the approval process to provide services through regional centers to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You apply for vendorization online through the Provider Directory. This is where you will submit required information and documents, communicate with regional centers, and track your progress.
Your application will be reviewed by the vendoring regional center - the center responsible for the geographic area (also known as catchment area) where your site based service or operating office is located. The regional center will review your documents and determine if you meet the requirements. If approved, you’ll be assigned a vendor number and a service code in the Provider Directory.
Who Can Apply?
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Potential New Providers: People or agencies who want to start offering services and supports to Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Existing Providers: Providers who want to add new services or expand to new areas.
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Family Members or Guardians: People supporting individuals through the provision of specific services agreed upon by the individual program plan team.
Who Cannot Apply in the Directory?
Entities seeking to provide service to individuals in the Self-Determination Program cannot apply in the Provider Directory, except for Financial Management Services (FMS) service codes 315-317.
When should you apply for vendorization in the Directory?
Applicants can start a vendorization application at any time.
However, if applying for an emergency vendorization or applying for vendorization of certain specialized facilities through the Community Placement Plan (CPP) or Community Resource Development Plan (CRDP) project, contact ELARC to learn how to begin your application process and when to create your login profile to apply in the Provider Directory.
How Can I prepare?
You must determine what service type you are planning to provide and understand applicable statutes, regulations and directives issued by the Department of Developmental Services based on your experience and expertise. The Department of Developmental Services is governed by Title 17 Division 2 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Vendorization is governed by Title 17, Division 2, Chapter 3, Subchapter 2. These rules explain:
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What services regional centers can fund
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What providers must do to qualify
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How the vendorization process works
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What is required to maintain your vendorization
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The commonly used terms you need to know
To learn more about services offered through regional centers, visit the Regional Center Services and Descriptions webpage on the Department of Developmental Services’ website.
What services are needed?
What are the Steps to Apply?
Exhibit 1: Vendorization application steps and processing time requirements
The vendorization process is done online through the Provider Directory.
Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Create or login to existing Provider Directory Profile
Step 2: Submit requirements
Step 3: Submit application
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If you meet the basic requirements, you’ll be asked to submit additional information and documents to support your application.
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When all requested information is received, the regional center will review your application for completeness within 30 calendar days.
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If anything is missing or incorrect, you’ll have 30 calendar days to submit it. The submission review timeline/clock pauses for the regional center during this time and does not reset.
Step 4: Receive decision
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When the application is complete, the regional center will review the application
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The regional center will make a vendorization decision within 45 calendar days.
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If approved, you’ll receive a vendor number.
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If not approved, you’ll receive a denial notice with rights to appeal the decision.
Who Can Use Vendored Providers?
Once vendored, a service provider may be utilized by other regional centers, known as “user” or “utilizing” regional centers, as well as the originally vendoring regional center.
NOTE: The vendor identification number assigned by the vendoring regional center must be used by all regional centers purchasing the vendored service.
Do you need help?
For on-demand resources, such as step-by-step guides, FAQs, and an overview of the vendorization process, go to the DDS How to Become a Vendor web page.
If you have questions or need help with the process, contact us at vendorization@elarc.org or 626-299-4793. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Important Note About Vendorization
Pursuant to Title 17 of the CCR section 54322(d)(10), vendorization does not guarantee that individuals will be referred or placed with a vendored provider.
Pre-Vendorization Orientation
Are you interested in providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities and in becoming a potential ELARC vendor? If so, the Pre-Vendorization Orientation is your opportunity to get informed on the vendorization process and all the requirements necessary to become a vendor. These sessions are for potential vendors who have or are planning to open an office within the ELARC Catchment area.
Note: All participants are required to first watch the "Overview of the Vendorization Process" video and review the referenced materials (at the top of this page) before registration.
There are no current orientations at this time. Please check our website for future orientations.
Residential Services Orientation
New ELARC residential services providers and administrators are required to attend a residential services provider orientation. This orientation is presented twice a year, on three consecutive Mondays in the months of May and November. To register for this training and to be added to the mailing list, please contact the Community Services Office Assistant at . Eight weeks prior to this training, a registration form will be mailed to your address.
California Department Of Developmental Services Vendor Information
View the DDS Vendors and Providers Information Page